This is a posting of events of interest to Shriners in the Western States

140 year of Shriners

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Homeland Security Targets Shriners as Terrorist Group

December 28, 2010 05:26 AM EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. The Department of Homeland Security has taken the first official steps to place the Shriners, a fraternal organization that uses Arabian motifs in its costumes and rituals, on its "Specially Designated Nationals" list, a move that would severely circumscribe the group's activities in the U.S.

Napolitano: "They throw candy at children!"

Department Secretary Janet Napolitano said the Shriners, whose official name is the "Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine," scored a perfect "100" on Homeland Security's "How to Spot a Terrorist Organization" secret decoder ring.

Mini-Mustangs slip easily under conventional radar.

"First, they wear funny hats," she said. "Second, they claim to be a charity, as if we haven't heard that one before. Third, they are organized into local cells that lay dormant until ordered into action by a central authority. Fourth, they ride those little motor scooters and throw candy at children--even al Qaeda doesn't stoop that low."

And they say it can't happen here.

A reporter raised his hand to ask a question, but Napolitano cut him off for one final item. "Did I mention the funny hats?"

"Allahu Akbar!"

The Shriners are known for their use of miniaturized motor vehicles in parades and for their Middle Eastern garb, particularly the fez, a tapering felt hat with a tassel that hangs from its crown. "Nobody wears those things in America except for organ grinders' monkeys," Napolitano noted.

"They've invaded!"

Shriner officials denied any link to terrorism and said their charitable pursuits are genuine and not a front for illicit activities. "We are completely above-board, except with our wives," said Supreme Excellent Master of the York Rite Clinton Koehn, a chiropractor in Keokuk, Iowa. "They don't know about the beer kegs in the lodge basement."

Available in Kindle format on amazon.com as part of the collection "The Lighter Side of Terrorism."

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Shriners make season warmer

By Holly Roney, Contributing Writer Eastern Arizona Courier

For the 18th year, the Shriners Club has made the winters warmer for children of needy families.

Members of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, or Shriners Club, of the Shrine Temple in Tucson, met 100 qualifying children Dec. 18 at the Safford Walmart, where they provided $80 for each child to buy clothes.

Children are selected by teachers and nurses in Safford, Thatcher and Pima schools. They are mostly from kindergarten through eighth grade, and a few are from local preschools. The teachers work with the children every day, so they have a good idea which ones need help the most.

Priscilla and Jose Ruiz and their children, David, 5, and Ashley, 4, shop for clothes during the Shriners annual Clothe a Child drive. Photo by Holly Roney

Clothing 100 children costs the Shriners Club $8,000. This year, members raised $8,255, so the extra will go toward next year’s Clothe a Child project. The money is donated by businesses and individuals, or as Shrine Club President Dolan Campbell joked, “We beg, buy, bum, borrow and steal it.”

The Shriners also provided $80 each to four children from a family in need last October.

Eighteen years ago, when the Shriners started the Clothe a Child project in the Gila Valley, they raised enough money to provide clothes for 22 children. That number grew each year until they were able to help 100, which is now their goal every year.

“We love doing this,” said many of the club members present.

The AAONMS is the world’s largest philanthropy. Its biggest program works with children in hospitals. It supports approximately 1,600 patients in southeast Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, providing them with transportation as well as helping to cover the hospital bills. The club operates 22 hospitals throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well.

As for the families of the children who received money for clothes from the Shriners Club, all expressed their gratitude.

“It was great that they did this. I hope I have an opportunity to repay them,” John Machin said as his two oldest children headed toward the checkout aisle.

Ginger Dixon, a recently widowed mother of six, said, “I think it really helps out a lot, especially for people in my situation.” Five of her six children are in school and received clothing.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Hey everyone. A bit off topic, but I just found an amazing opportunity for you to help raise money for Shriners Hospital For Children without having to donate or do any fundraising at all. In fact, all you have to do is click the “Like” button on someones facebook page and that someone will donate a dollar for you.

Who Is That Someone?

The “mystery donator” is Jeffery C. Metler, an Attorney At Law working with MHM. Jeff recently offered to donate $1 to Shriners Hospitals for Children for ever person that “Likes” his Facebook page. AND HE’S GIVING UP TO $10,000!!!
I think it’s really cool that he’s trying to go out of his way to help the hospital out. The saddest part is that the hospital used to give 100% free care to all it’s patients, but because of economic downfall they’re now scrambling to get money to keep their services alive.
You might be wondering why Jeff Metler would be willing to donate this much money, so here’s a video explaining his mission and the thought behind it.
You can really make a difference just by clicking “Like” on his Facebook fan page. It won’t cost you a thing, and you’ll know that you helped a good cause.
Also, if you tell your friends and family about the offer and get them to “Like” his fan page, you could be helping to raise a lot of money for the cause.Thanks for taking the time to read this. I just wanted to share it with you because I rarely see opportunities to give back that are so easy to do.Here is the link to Jeff's page www.http://metlerlaw.com/givehttp://metlerlaw.com/give

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

2-year-old girl who lost legs in lawn mower accident attends Shriner Christmas party

by David Jay - KTVQ

BILLINGS - The Al Bedoo Shrine helped 75 children get treatments at 22 Shriner hospitals across the country in 2010.
Sunday, the Shriners hosted their annual Christmas Party at Shrine Auditorium.
One of the 150 guests was two-year old Addison Benson, who lost her legs below the knee in a lawn mower accident on July 27th. A Shriner who lives in Laurel called the Bensons three days later.
"It's just amazing they came to us first to help us out," said Syd Benson, Addison's father.
Addison is walking with the use of prosthetics. Her father says she is doing well with her recovery and just about ready to run.
"It's awesome," said Bill Lewis, Potentate for the Al Bedoo Shrine. "It's tear jerking when you see what we do for kids. That's why we're Shriners."
"The support network that's received from the community is just a huge blessing," Benson said. "Couldn't say more about the community and the Shriners."

Here is a blog that covers the 10 best collage bowl games with good reporting and videos.
http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2010/12/20/10-most-dramatic-bowl-games-of-all-time/

Remember that if you want to see the best college players in one game it is the East West Shrine game that has it all and has since 1924.

The 2011, Shrine East West Game #86 will be played in Orlando, Fl at the Cirtus Bowl, Check out the web site http://www.shrinegame.com/ they have some great ticket packages for the game or it can be seen on the NFL Channel.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Thanks to all who helped decorate the Shrine. I've heard lots of great comments on how beautiful the big tree is and all the snowflakes!! Great job!!

Many thanks to all who contributed to a successful Christmas Party for our Shrine patients and their families this past Saturday! Whether it was for your time, your cookies, your purchases and donations through out the year, we made a difference!

I'd like to thank all of the clubs and units that made a donation to the party, including the ladies of Sphinx Court's Directors Staff unit. Thanks goes to the staff of El Zaribah, too. Special thanks to Michael Finney for his cash donation as well as his magic performance, and Wal-Mart gift cards for the raffle; Build-a-Bear Workshop for their furbulous donation and discounts; Teresa Marra-Seplak of TMarra Designs for her donation back from jewelry sales; Shelly Kreger for the quilt we raffled; and many others to numerous to name! and of course, we couldn't have had a Christmas party without Santa & Mrs Claus!! Thanks to Mike Folker for the photos, too!

Citrus Heights Man Wins Contest to Shop for Kids

Donna CordovaFOX40 News

SACRAMENTO —

Cameras were rolling as a local man did his Christmas shopping at the Wal-Mart in Citrus Heights. Everything about what Tye Campbell put in his shopping cart made headlines Wednesday, December 8, and here's why.

Campbell got the money for his shopping spree, by entering the 98 Rock "27 Days of Christmas" wish campaign. Fox40 was there when the radio hosts Dog and Joe announced Campbell as a winner. Campbell's wish was simple. He wanted a little financial help to buy stocking stuffers for the kids spending Christmas at Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento.

For Campbell, the request was personal. As a child, he had been treated at the hospital and he wanted to give back. He's made and delivered stockings for the children before. Nothing much. A little candy and individual pages ripped from coloring books. This year, due to the struggling economy, Campbell feared he would not be able to complete his goal.

Donations changed that. Thanks to community support, Campbell and his wife Ashley were handed more than two thousand dollars to buy for the kids. The couple searched the toy aisles, not just for things the kids need, but what children really want.

They loaded up on dolls and doll strollers, Transformers, movies and video games. The list goes on, and on, and on. Enough toys to fill seven shopping carts.

"It's really, really fun" said Campbell as he watched his wish become a reality. Here was a man hoping for maybe a hundred dollars to help with stocking stuffers. Now, he's got a truckload of gifts to be delivered to the children on Christmas day.
In the words of this sudden Santa, "It blows everything I've ever done out of the water."

Young patients at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento received a King-sized holiday surprise Sunday afternoon from some special guests.
Kings players DeMarcus Cousins, Jason Thompson, Carl Landry and Luther Head, Kings mascot Slamson, members of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team, Regional Vice President of Wells Fargo and Kings Ambassador Chevo Ramirez and Wells Fargo Vice President of Marketing Rick Cwynar teamed up to visit children and families at the Shriners Hospital for Children and host a Kings Pizza Party.
Amidst the energetic music and festive atmosphere, the young patients received autographs, took photos and spent quality time socializing with their newfound friends from the Kings and Wells Fargo.

"It's very kind of them to visit because they've come to cheer us up," said Abigail Minnett, one of the many children enjoying Sunday's festivities. "It makes me feel very special."

The patients received goodie bags courtesy of the Kings and proud Kings partner Wells Fargo along with all the pizza they could eat courtesy of proud Kings partner Round Table Pizza.

"It definitely feels good to put a smile on these kids' faces," stated Landry. "The Sacramento Kings are a huge part of this community, a huge part of the city of Sacramento and the surrounding areas, so for us to have the opportunity to interact with our fans and give back to this hospital is great."

Supported by donations, Shriners Hospital for Children - Northern California is a regional pediatric medical center providing the gift of specialized pediatric care to children with orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns and scars from any cause. Any child 18 years or younger is eligible for care, providing the child's condition is within the scope of services provided. Care is provided without financial obligation to patients or their families.

"For many children, the opportunity to meet a sports star is a dream come true," said Penny Lees, Manager of the Therapeutic Recreation/Child Life program at Shriners Hospital. "Sunday's event holds special meaning because some of our patients went on an outing to the Kings game earlier this week. At the pizza party, they have an opportunity to visit with players they saw at ARCO Arena."

"When you see the players walk into the room with the goodie bags, the kids' eyes just light up," said Cwynar. "They're just amazed by their size, they're so big, they watch them on TV all the time, they've been looking forward to seeing them all day and it's just a fantastic event. They can spend some time with the kids, sign some autographs, give out some goodie bags and share some pizza with them. It's a fantastic event and something we look forward to around the holidays."

Sunday's surprise visit was part of Maloof Sports & Entertainment's ninth annual "Season of Giving," which consists of a series of charitable events and projects as part of an ongoing effort to make a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in need. Kings players, members of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team, Slamson and volunteers from Maloof Sports & Entertainment and Wells Fargo will participate in three weeks of charitable giving and holiday fun benefiting children and families throughout the Sacramento region.

Additional “Season of Giving” events this holiday season include the donation of a “Holiday in a Box” from Maloof Sports & Entertainment and Wells Fargo to 200 deserving families, a surprise donation of 100 bikes and helmets to local children from Tyreke Evans and Wells Fargo, Francisco Garcia’s donation of a “Holiday in a Box” to local deserving Latino families, a surprise visit by DeMarcus Cousins to the UC Davis Children’s Hospital and participation in the CHiPS for Kids Toy Drive at Cal Expo.
For more information about Shriners Hospital for Children - Northern California, please call 916-453-2000 or visit shrinershospitals.org.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Little Hats and Big Hearts: the White Mountain Shrine Club

White Mountain Shriners

The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, commonly known as Shriners, were established in 1870 as an appendant body to Freemasonry. The organization is best-known for the Shriners Hospitals for Children they administer and the red fezzes that members wear. Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. There are around 340,000 members from 193 temples (chapters) in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Republic of Panama, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Europe and Australia.
Shriners International supports Shriners Hospitals for Children, a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

The White Mountain Shrine Club was chartered on October 2, 1976 under Potentate Harry Ebbeson of El Zaribah Shriners. After pleasing crowds during the Fall Festival Parade, I was invited to join the Shriners for lunch at the Chuckwagon Steakhouse and learn more about this fun-loving group of do-gooders. The lunch was an extra special occasion as the current Potentate and his lady were visiting.

“Currently, there are 25 members in the White Mountain club. We meet once a month on the 3rd Sunday at JB’s in Show Low. Our ladies also attend this luncheon meeting and are quite active with their Shrine husbands,” explains local Shriner President Dick Doane, “Our membership consists of Shriners from El Zaribah Shrine in Phoenix and Sabbar Shrine in Tucson. We participate in the 4th of July Parade in Show Low every year, as well as the Fall Festival parade in Pinetop-Lakeside.

We have not had an Official Visit of our Potentate since 2007, but we do appreciate seeing Divan members at some of our meetings, as well as some other non-Club Shriners who come to the Mountain to participate in our parades.”

When they are not thrilling parade spectators with their funny little cars, the White Mountain Shrine Club is busy organizing their annual fund raiser, the Jordan Family Circus and offering a helping hand in a number of charitable events.

“We have held the Jordan Family Circus in Show Low since 2006 and we assist with ticket taking, car parking and greeting the guests. At times, we have held yearly raffles. We have also sponsored the Run with the Wolves motorcyle rally in Springerville,” notes Dick, “Our Club is also very active in assisting the White Mountain Clothe-A-Child program every year.”
For more information about the White Mountain Shriners’ Club, please email President Dick Doane at rdoane54@gmail.com.

Sapphira Temple 79 Queen to visit HelenaCarol Huston, Queen of Sapphira Temple No. 79, Daughters of The Nile, will make her official visit to Helena Sewing Unit No. 1, on Monday, Dec. 13. A buffet meal will be held in her honor at the Macaroni Grill, 2790 N. Washington St., with a social hour at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Drawing items include hooked rug and gift baskets. Tickets cost $1 each or six for $5. See Carynn LeMieux or Karen Burk for tickets.
Daughters of the Nile, founded in 1913, is a benevolent international organization for women related by birth or marriage to a Shriner, Master Mason or Daughter of the Nile. This organization raises money for The Daughters of the Nile Foundation, which is to be used in the care of the children in the Shriners Hospitals for Children as well as purchase of prostheses, braces, special shoes and items needed for outpatient care of children treated at the Shriners Hospitals.
Sapphira Temple members in central and northern Montana also donate quilts, clothes, toys, games and books for the Shriners Hospital in Spokane. They also donate linens, blankets, TV sets and pictures for two rooms that are used to house families of those children being treated at the hospital. All of this, with no charge to the children or their families. For dinner reservations, call Carynn LeMieux, 443-5495, or Karen Burk 442-6904. Dinner tickets are $20. Make checks payable to: Helena Unit No. 1,

How to help

The Jacob Granger Medical Fund has been set up at the US Bank in Billings. Donations can be made at any of the four Billings locations. Donations can also be sent to Broadview High School, P. O. Box 147, Broadview, MT 59015. Checks should be made payable to the Jacob Granger Medical Fund.

BROADVIEW — Surprises are a staple of the holiday season. So is peeking.
Who hasn't wanted to tear back a piece of wrapping paper to get a preview of what was coming Christmas morning?
That's the approach 16-year-old Tamera Hammond is taking with the fundraising effort she initiated on behalf of her friend and schoolmate, Jacob Granger, 13.
To help Jacob and his family defray medical expenses, Hammond launched the fundraiser. Her goal was to raise $1,000 by Christmas. This week, Hammond allowed The Billings Gazette a peek under the wrapping of the Jacob Granger Medical Fund. Its full contents won't be revealed until Christmas.
The brief preview, however, indicates there is at least $1,800 in the account and it's growing by the day.
“It's gone way beyond what I thought it would,” Hammond said. “But I want to keep the rest a secret to surprise Jacob.”
Jacob was diagnosed earlier this year with a staph infection in his right hip. The infection led to surgery, a two-week hospital stay and subsequent medications and doctor appointments.
The infection curtailed the seventh-grader's dream of playing defensive lineman for the Broadview Pirates.
The number of people joining Hammond in her cause is multiplying exponentially. She started the Jacob Granger Medical Fund at US Bank and distributed 15 donation jars in Broadview, Billings and Lavina.
Community groups have requested jars for their respective Christmas dinners and holiday events. Plans are also under way for a benefit dinner and a silent auction.
Hammond was inspired by the YouTube video “Pay It Forward — The Power of Three.” The expression “pay it forward” describes the concept of having a good turn repaid by doing for others. The message of the video is to do “something big” to “change the world.”
“I'm proud of myself that I'm helping a family,” Hammond said. “I'm helping a family tremendously. It's something they couldn't do themselves, and I took matters into my own hands.”
She has ignited a pay-it-forward passion in others, including Jim Russell of Miles City. He read of Jacob Granger's plight in The Gazette and wanted to send a donation.
“It won't be much, but it will be something,” Russell said. He wanted to support the young man because his own grandsons play football and he could empathize with Jacob being sidelined this season. “What a tragedy for that young man.”
A staph infection is caused by a staphylococcus, or “staph” bacteria. Staph infections range from a simple boil, to antibiotic-resistant infections, to flesh-eating infections. Staph-related illnesses can range from mild, requiring no treatment, to severe and potentially fatal. The cause of Jacob's infection remains a mystery. It is no mystery, however, that the infection has eaten parts of the area surrounding the hip, according to his father, causing Jacob to lose length in his leg.
“Damage is clearly there,” Sam Granger said.
Jacob and his father traveled to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Spokane, Wash., on Monday for an evaluation. They thought a hip replacement might be on the agenda. Surgeons at Shriners said they won't replace Jacob's hip until he is done growing.
Meantime, he will undergo a hip fusion, which is typically used for young patients. During the surgery, the thigh bone will be fused to the pelvis. Afterward, Jacob's hip will be completely stiff. Healing typically takes about 12 weeks.
“It's a bad situation, but a lot of good is coming out of it,” Sam Granger said. “Jacob is doing good with it. He keeps his spirits up. He's not going to let anything get him down, which is awesome.”
During a telephone interview, Sam Granger was overcome with emotion in learning about the outpouring of support from friends and people he's never met.
“It's good to live in the society we live in,” Sam Granger said. “It's awesome to get this kind of support from strangers. Prayer lists have been established and new ones are starting every day.”
Contact Cindy Uken at cuken@billingsgazette.com or 657-1287.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Beaver Creek School wishes to thank the Mingus Mountain Shrine Club for including our students in the Verde Valley Polar Express tickets. The students had a wonderful experience getting to travel on a train and hearing the Polar Express story. It was awesome for the students to receive the candy canes, bells and Shriners pins from Noble Richard and 2010 Potentate El Zaribah Center.

The energy that Noble Richard Fields put into this planned activity was spectacular. Thank you again for including Beaver Creek School in this wonderful Christmas event.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Today we had one of Ben’s 6 month check-ups for his Talipes (club feet). We were expecting the usual short routine checkups and to be advised to continue his regular treatment. While the outside of Ben’s feet have shown great progress and have appeared to be normal, today’s x-rays revealed a different story. The bone and muscular orientation in Ben’s feet still shows significant deformation. Ben had both legs casted today (see attached pic) and will have a series of casts followed by surgery (Tenotomy) and another set of casts. This unexpected change has proven to be very difficult (both physically and emotionally) for Ben and our family.

The Great Toy Drive, sponsored by Fox 40 (KTXL), Big O Tires and Xfinity, benefits children at Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California. Donate new and unwrapped toys to Big O Tire locations in the region. For a complete listing of locations, visit www.FOX40.com.

The longest-running college football all-star game, the East-West Shrine Game®, moves to NFL Network to showcase seniors as they prepare to take the next step to the professional ranks. Current and former NFL superstars, including Tom Brady, Brett Favre and John Elway, have played in the game, which will be held at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 4 p.m.
"It is great for the East-West Shrine Game to be partnered with the NFL Network. NFL Network realizes that this is more than just a game. It gives the NFL teams another chance to evaluate players for the upcoming draft as well as supports Shriners Hospitals for Children's 22 hospitals that have thus far treated nearly a million children with no incurred cost to the patients or their families," said Harold Richardson, Executive Director of the East-West Shrine Game.

The East-West Shrine Game features some of the top senior players from schools across the country. Since its inception on Dec. 26, 1925, 62 alumni from the East-West Shrine Game have gone on to become Pro Football Hall of Famers, including Elway, Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, Kellen Winslow and Larry Csonka. There are 246 alumni currently on NFL rosters and 195 East-West alumni are in the College Football Hall of Fame.

"The East-West Shrine Game is one of the top college all-star games and features a number of the future top NFL Draft picks," said Lawrence Randall, director of programming, NFL Network. "We continue to increase our programming leading up the primetime NFL Draft and look forward to highlighting these star players as they compete head-to-head prior to the NFL Scouting Combine."

This is the first time the East-West Shrine Game will be televised on NFL Network. It is part of the 2011 NFL Draft preview programming, which also includes the "Path to the Draft" nightly news shows and exclusive coverage of the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine.

The game uses NFL rules, and the teams are coached by NFL-affiliated coaching staffs. The teams are divided by East and West, but the players come together for the beneficiary of the event, Shriners Hospitals for Children®.
For more information about the East-West Shrine Game, please visit Shrine Game.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Arizona Job’s Daughters first annual golf tournament, May 21, 2011 at the Grayhawk golf course. Arizona Job’s Daughters are hosting the Capes & Crowns Golf Tournament for charity, scholarships, and events to cultivate leadership, confidence, poise, and professional skills in young women, ages 10 to 20.

Job’s Daughters International is active and growing in Arizona. Young women get practical experience with parliamentary procedure, budgeting, event planning, communication and organization.

The tournament, an open scramble with four-person teams, will be held Saturday, May 21, on the Raptor course at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale. Registration will begin at noon, with a shotgun start to follow at 1:30 pm.http://www.jobiegolf.com/

Photo courtesy of John KirbyThousands of motorcyclists from all over Oregon and Washington gather in Portland for the 31st annual A.B.A.T.E. of Oregon Toy Run.

The event raised more than $30,000 to purchase new equipment for children at the Shriners Hospital for Children. In addition to the money, the motorcycle group donated a TriMet bus full of toys to deliver to young patients.

Now in its 31st year, the Toy Run began when A.B.A.T.E. leaders found out the Shriners had a waiting list for medical equipment.

"The Portland chapter of A.B.A.T.E. decided they would do this run every year ... to buy equipment for the children," said Richard Colwell, coordinator of the motorcycle group's Portland chapter.

Armed with a list of needs from the Shriners, the motorcycle group has provided everything from wheelchairs and crutches to braces for children at the hospital.

Traffic stopped and bystanders cheered on the streets as the riders--some dressed as Santa and riding bikes disguised as sleighs--streamed across the Ross Island Bridge and down Barbur Boulevard on their way to the hospital, located at 3101 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road.

Once there, they celebrated with coffee and donuts, plus the satisfaction of providing hundreds of sick children with some holiday cheer.

"It's all for the children," Colwell said. "It's all for those kids and their families."

Thursday, December 2, 2010

and three Veteran Charities.
Nashville, Tennessee, November 30, 2010 –The Guts & Glory Rally Across America is proud and honored to announce the Shriners Hospitals for Children as the leading charity in its landmark inaugural Guts & Glory Rally Across America in May of 2011.
On May 17, 2011, The finest motorcyclists in the world will depart Los Angeles on a 9,000 (plus) mile, 11 day timed rally across America. Crossing 48 States, and concluding in Bar Harbor, Maine, the Guts & Glory Rally Across America may well total up to 10 Million collective miles ridden by its participants. The Guts & Glory RIDE A MILE sponsorship program is aimed at National and International corporations that are proud to support the work of the Shriners, and the three Veterans charities already a part of the Guts & Glory Rally Across America. Guts & Glory Motorsports seeks to raise up to, if not more than, $10,000,000 through marketing sponsorships of at least $1 per collective mile ridden for the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Able Forces, Not Alone and Project Healing Waters, with all proceeds from RIDE A MILE going directly to these deserving causes.

“It’s FEZTASTIC for the Guts & Glory Rally to be sharing the proceeds of this 9000 mile (+) ride with the “worlds greatest philanthropy” as SHRINER’S continue the monumental job of giving a better life and future to our kids. The lengthy and prestigious history of providing specialized care for almost a million children in need has been the Shrine focus for the past 88 years. It is my hope this event will reflect on all Shriner’s past success. THANK YOU for being partners in our Shrine Family as all efforts are very much appreciated in support of the children that come to SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN for help” says George Mitchell, Imperial Potentate of the Shriners International.

The RIDE A MILE program provides major companies an innovative marketing opportunity through the Guts & Glory Rally Across America phenomena. Sponsors will be able to leverage the hundreds of millions of impressions garnered by simply committing to pennies per mile, or even fractions of a penny per collective mile ridden.
“This marketing platform is both powerful and meaningful to our corporate partners. It brings smart marketing and humanity together for what will be the Ride of Our Lives, as ailing Children and Brave Veterans fight for their life each and every day. It is an amazing privilege to work with the Shriners, and our Veterans, on what we all know will be the Ride of 2011. We are excited about making a difference in the lives of thousands of children and veteran hero’s … two things very close to the hearts of all of us creating the Guts & Glory” says Robert Swope, president of Guts & Glory Motorsports.

The Shriners and staffers from the three Veterans charities will work alongside the Guts & Glory Motorsports production team in handling all logistics and organization of the 11 checkpoints along the route.

Says Able Forces Executive Director Skip Rogers, “What an incredible event! 48 States, over 9,000 miles in 11 days, this has never been done and will undoubtedly capture the interest of our entire Nation. Able Forces is honored to be one of the recipients.”
“We’re pleased to join Guts & Glory Motorsports in this inaugural event and we’re looking forward to the awareness the Rally Across America will generate for the organizations who do so much for deserving individuals,” stated Ed Nicholson, president of Project Healing Waters. “When America’s warriors participate in a Project Healing Waters activity they’re involved in a great national pastime. Plus, there are also significant therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits associated with fly fishing, and for a while these injured soldiers forget about their injuries and feel good about themselves. And, that means the world to them.”

As a key component of the Guts & Glory Rally Across America, Emmy Award winning Sunrise Entertainment will be filming a reality television series throughout the course of the rally. This television series will chronicle the joys, struggles, challenges and most importantly, the personal stories of many of the participants. Filmed in High Definition using cameras mounted on motorcycles, chase vehicles, helicopters and even an ultra-light aircraft, viewers will not only feel as though they are a part of the rally, they will also see the amazing scenery and vistas of this great country as seen through the eyes of each rider. Fast moving and engaging, the programs foundation is the overwhelmingly compelling personal stories of victory and defeat, joy and hardship, camaraderie and competition.
For further information about the Guts & Glory Rally Across America and/or to become a RIDE A MILE Corporate Partner, please visit:www.GutsandGloryRally.com

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

We will be having a meeting on Saturday, December 4, at the El Zaribah Temple, starting at 12:00 noon to hear an update on our hospital system.

The speaker will be Mike Babcock from SHC in Salt Lake City. He will provide an update on what is going on, status of 3rd party pay and an update on the proper way to communicate publicly about what our hospitals do. With the introduction of 3rd party pay, we have had to adapt to some new language regarding cost associated with the care.

This meeting will be very informative and provide you with the most up to date information. Please plan on being there or having a representative from your respective organization attend and hear the information. We should be finished with the meeting by 2:00, depending upon the questions.

Monday, November 29, 2010

The Shriner's Hospital /Portland ABATE Chapter's Toy Run, is held at noon on the first Saturday of December. This year it is Dec 4, 2010.

while some people meet up and ride in together eventually. Everyone gathers at the Tri-Met bus barn 4012 SE 17th in Portland before 11 am and ride with a year's worth of financial and toy collections to the hospital whether it be rain, snow or shine.

The year long efforts make it possible to buy custom made wheelchairs, other specialized equipment and toys for the children at the Shriner's Hospital.

Does not matter what you ride as this is ALL ABOUT the kids. We hope to see everyone there!!!...

********************************
History of the ABATE/Shriners Toy Run

The ABATE/Shriners Toy Run has been in existence since December 1980. There were five bikes and a pickup truck the very first year. At that time, the Shriners hospital was on SE 82nd and Sandy Blvd. The second year the Toy Run had a few more bikes and the riders were hassled for going down 82nd Ave. We’ve come a long way since then! In 1984 we started delivering toys to the new hospital on the hill. Prior to 1980 there was a similar toy run that was hosted by other bike clubs in the Portland area. Their time phased out and then ABATE came on to the scene and started this Toy Run. All in all, it is likely that riders in the Portland area have been doing a toy run for the Shriners close to forty years.

Originally the ride was started to improve the biker image. Since then, we have come to understand that this ride is about the kids. It is not about image. This ride is about motorcyclists from all walks of life coming to together to do some good for these children who are in varying stages of recovery from operations and conditions beyond their control. We hope to bring them a smile and a little fun. Santa leads the motorcycle parade and after he gets to the hospital he presents gifts to them with the help of his lovely elves. In our parade one will find every type and make of motorcycle from scooters, to three wheelers, to radical Harley choppers. As the years have gone by, the run has gotten much bigger with 1999 being the start of greater run attendance. Over 1,500 motorcycles showed up in 1999 to support the kids and Uncle Bob Jackson. Uncle Bob, a much loved Toy Run committee member (A.K.A. known as Santa Claus to the kids), passed away that year. His illness would not allow him to attend the toy run or see the kids again. The media and the press took great interest in Uncle Bob. The news media did a wonderful job of expressing Uncle Bob's generous heart and his desire to see the kids one last Christmas. The news coverage and newspaper articles generated a huge amount of public interest. Needless to say, 1999 was well attended and the run has continued to grow every year since then. 2008 was our largest year with close to 7,000 motorcycles. It was a perfect weather day – warm for a December day and dry throughout the metropolitan area. 2009 had a bit less with estimates up to 6,000 attendees.

Over the years we have had the honorable Mayor Bud Clark, Senator Randy Leonard, Commissioner Lonnie Roberts and KUPL’s Lee Rogers as Grand Marshals. The Harley Owner's Groups from the metro area (Rose City HOG, Sunset HOG, and Vancouver U.S.A HOG) have done a wonderful job of providing the marshalling for the parade. The H.O.G. clubs have assisted us since the early 1990’s. The Toy Run is a full parade with a Portland Police escort. The Toy Run is managed by committee with representatives from the Southeast and Twin Rivers chapters of ABATE. Administrative costs are very low. We do have to buy a parade permit, raffle license, tickets, printing, insurance, etc. We try to get as much of our costs donated as possible. The lion’s share of the net monies raised goes back to the kids.

The Toy Run is funded by the raffle of a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle, generous donations throughout the year and by benefits such as the Musicians Toy Run Benefit (MTRB). The MTRB has grown in the last few years and is rapidly becoming a premier event. Every year is special for the MTRB but this year was the best yet. It was well attended with over $3,800 being donated to the Toy Run wheelchair fund. We thank Francine West and the High Speed Wobblers for hosting the benefit. They bring in top acts from the surrounding area who donate their time to benefit the kids of the Shriners Children’s Hospital. We expect that the Musician’s Toy Run Benefit will one day rival the summer time waterfront musical events one can find in Portland.

The monies raised allows us, with the help of the hospital, to give these children the ability to move about their homes and neighborhoods. They get the freedom to play with friends or go to the grocery store with Mom. We are also able to provide the parents of these special kids with some measure of financial freedom. It costs a lot to care for these children. We are very happy to assist the children and their families with this type of independence and support. Over the years $425,000 has been raised for the kids. 101 children and their families have received equipment. Equipment includes power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, bikes, communication devices, computers, bathing aids, and van lifts. A lot lives have been enhanced by these gifts of love for the kids by the motorcycling community. The Toy Run is our labor of love for the kids of the Shriners Children’s Hospital. We look forward to presenting the kids with their equipment each year. Our reward is their smile. Their smiles have the power to spur us on for another great year.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

*RADIO DISNEY AM110 - 6:30 am PST
AIRING 11/28/10 Louis Gross joins LaFern Cusack on the Southern California Experience to talk about Jonathan Byrd's hole-in-one at Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open and the December 4, 2010 Holiday Show for the Children of L.A. and their Family featuring: ---Ellis Hall, (Former lead singer of Tower of Power, Bill Jones from the Hit TV Show "Glee", Concert Pianist Marrina, featured on the Tonight Show and 10 million hits on YouTube. Mariachi Estrella de Los Angles of Luis Molina. The Los Angeles Police Concert Band, (Official Band of the City of Los Angeles). Hosted by Jim Starr,"The Singing Cop" and his partner "Sgt. Sue" from the TV Show "The Magic Guitar". Surprise visit by Santa. Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Neil Manodom is a shy, quiet 16-year-old – until he picks up the kid-sized electric guitar in his south Sacramento apartment.
He plugs it into a small amplifier and hits a few strings. The growling sound of heavy distortion makes him smile.
"Loud, huh?" he says.
Then he drills the opening riff of a heavy-metal song that makes his mother, Margarita, cringe.
"Bullet For My Valentine," he says, the name of the band.
"What?" Margarita cries.
Neil and Margarita have lived here for about a year and a half, thousands of miles from their home in the Philippines, while Neil gets treatment at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California for the burn scars that cover most of his body.
He suffered third-degree burns on 75 percent of his body in 2006, when a high-voltage power line above a church in his hometown set fire to his clothes.
The flames, though, spared the fingers on both of his hands. Those fingers are long and slender and dance down the fretboard of his guitar, playing rock songs that Neil has taught himself by ear.
The Firefighters Burn Institute has asked Book of Dreams readers to pay for guitar lessons for Neil, who wants to be in a rock band.
Neil is part of the percussion section in the Burbank High band, but, as he said, "I don't think you can play rock on the xylophone."
The last thing he remembers about that Sunday four years ago at the church was playing hide-and-seek.
"I hid by the window," Neil said. "And after that I was just in the hospital. Somebody said I got burned. I couldn't believe it."
Neil spent the next seven months in the hospital, battling infections. His neck, torso, arms and legs sustained horrible burns.
"It's just a miracle that he survived," Margarita said.
Neil has been able to get reconstructive surgery and therapy at Shriners, thanks to a Los Angeles woman who met him and Margarita while visiting the Philippines and is supporting them while they're in America. Margarita is not allowed to work under terms of her visa.
Most days after school, Neil pulls out the guitar – a 15th birthday present from his mom – and teaches himself songs by White Lion and his favorite band, Green Day.
Margarita said sometimes the hard rock guitar lines just sound like "noise." To Neil's ear, it's sweet music.Needed: Guitar lessons for a year.Cost: $1,200

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Penning raises about $20K for Shriners

Jr. Patriot Brady Penning, 13, broke fundraising records for the Youth Shrine Bowl. Penning, playing for the West all-star team in the California Youth Shrine Bowl on Saturday, is also slated for a tour of the college East-West Shrine Bowl in January. (Geoff Johnson/Democrat)

Honesty. Responsibility. Respect.Youth football fans might argue the sport already instills these qualities in its players.
Thirteen-year-old Jr. Patriot Brady Penning, scheduled to appear on Good Day Sacramento sometime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. today, said it did for him -- thanks to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Penning broke records for funding in the Youth Shrine Bowl championship, where players are required to raise funds for the Shriners before they can participate.
He blew past the minimum requirements but the knowledge fellow players were working toward the same cause egged him on.
"I honestly thought I didn't have enough money," he said.
The eighth-grader is one of more than 40 players chosen for the West team in an all-star game with participants from as far as Colfax and El Dorado.
When cheerleaders are counted, more than a dozen students were chosen from the Woodland's Pioneer Jr. Patriots and the Woodland's Jr. Wolves -- including Devan Zuniga, Brandon Medina, Jesus Cardenas Jr., Daniel Letamendi, Jeffrey Lomeli, Isaac Coronado, Erin Alvarez, Alyssa Garcia, Alyssa Garza, Heleigh Kliewer, McKenna Ney and Ally Peart.
On Saturday, Penning and his fellow Woodland students will have a shot to qualify for the California vs. Florida Youth Shrine Bowl in Orlando when California's teams meet at Rio Linda High School.
But in terms of fundraising, Penning's effort stands alone.
At about $20,000 -- 94 tickets sold and

Just 48 tickets and less than a page would have met the game requirements.
But as Penning took his proposal to Woodland residents, he remembered what he learned when he signed up.
Before he was given two weeks to raise funds, Penning and his fellow players watched a video example of where the funding goes -- the story of a footless Russian girl who Shriners helped walk.
Up against dozens of other fundraising players, Penning stepped up his game.
Through his rice-farming father, John, he reached out to the business community. Through his mother, Joan, he reached out to Vice Mayor Skip Davies and Mayor Art Pimentel. And by e-mailing and printing letters, he smashed the existing records.
Together, with an unannounced fellow fundraiser, he is scheduled for a full tour of the all-star college East-West Shrine Game in January.
"To watch college football on TV?," he said. "That's one thing. But to meet them? I mean, they're basically future NFL football players."
If he keeps it up, he and his all-star teammates may be, too.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

The Mingus Mountain Shrine Club, on behalf of the 125 school children from the Verde Valley, wishes to thank God and all of the contributors and volunteers who made this year's "Polar Express" train ride so successful.

A special thanks to the Grand Canyon Railroad, Dr. Nitin Patel, Cliff Castle Casino and Wal-Mart.

The efforts of the Shriners' benefits not only our needy local students but, also the Shriners' Children's Hospitals throughout this great country.

Again our heartfelt thanks for the joy your contributions brought to so many students.

Remember, no one stands so tall that they cannon stoop to help a child.

Monday, November 22, 2010

LOS ANGELES, CA. – November 19, 2010 – Shriners Hospitals for Children® is proud to participate in the 122nd Annual Tournament of Roses Parade, Saturday, January 1st, 2011 in Pasadena, California. The Shriners Hospitals for Children® float entitled, "Changing the World through Caring for Kids” will be among the many floats, bands, and equestrian shows seen by millions of spectators around the world.

The festival began in 1890 and features flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and, since 1902, the Rose Bowl college football game, produced by the non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. The Rose Parade will be broadcast live by nine networks: ABC, NBC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, RFD-TV, The Learning Channel, Tribune, Univision, and Sky Link TV. Don’t forget to tune in on January 1, 2011 at 8 a.m. PST / 11 a.m. EST.

Show Your Support: Employees, Volunteers and Shriners can join in the celebration!

Decorate the Float: To sign up to decorate and for further information, contact Shriners Hospital for Children®-Los Angeles Public Relations Department: Mayra Pereyra mpereyra@shrinenet.org. Feel free to invite your friends and family to help decorate. Note: all volunteers must be over 13 years of age to participate.

Decorating Shifts:

Sunday, Dec. 05: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. – Dry Decoration

Sunday, Dec. 26: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. – Floral Decoration

Tuesday, Dec. 28: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Floral Decoration

Tuesday, Dec. 28: 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. – Floral Decoration

Attend the Rose Parade: Rose Parade tickets can be purchased from Sharp Seating online at www.sharpseating.com or by calling (626) 795 -4171.

Note: You do not need tickets to the Rose Parade unless you want grandstand seats. Arrive early to watch along the parade route for free.

Shriners Hospitals for Children® is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a one-of-a kind pediatric hospital system dedicated to improving the lives of children through innovative research, education and specialized treatment of orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. With 22 hospitals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Shriners Hospitals for Children is committed to providing expert, family-centered care regardless of the patients' ability to pay and relies on the generosity of donors to deliver this mission every day.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, (or authorized to receive for the recipient) you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution or copying of it or its contents is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of this communication and any attachments and contact the sender by reply e-mail or telephone (813) 281-0300.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Rotary Club of Tigard and Tigard Masonic Lodge team up for Operation Warm

Thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of Tigard and the Tigard Masonic Lodge, nearly 200 young residents served by Community Partners for Affordable Housing, (CPAH) will receive warm coats this winter.
Working through a nationwide program called Operation Warm, The Rotarians and Masons will provide new winter coats to local children in need through a community partnership with CPAH.

Operation Warm’s vision is that every child wearing a winter coat will be healthy, be able to attend school regularly and develop strong self esteem.
CPAH will distribute the new coats to children from several CPAH properties on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 1-2:30 PM at the Greenburg Oaks Apartments Community.
“We chose CPAH because of the fact that there is a huge need for our children in the community and economy,” said Bill Phillps, President of the Rotary Club of Tigard. “CPAH has already identified the kids in need and we find that very comforting.”
CPAH’s Resident Services Director, Shannon Wilson, confirmed the need for the project. “These children are from some of the poorest families in our community, with an average annual income close to $20,000. To see these children receive new coats that will keep them snug all winter really warms my heart.”
Operation Warm has distributed more than 600,000 new coats across the country at the discounted rate of $15 per coat, plus shipping and handling.
The coats are of especially high quality, suitable for Oregon’s rainy (and often snowy) winter weather.
They come in a variety of colors and have a label where the child’s name can be written inside the coat.
This local project is collaboration between the Rotary Club of Tigard and the Tigard Masonic Lodge, whose members have contributed $3,500 to the coat distribution.
Founded in 1993, Community Partners for Affordable Housing is a nonprofit community development coporation serving Washington County and Southwest Portland. It provides safe and healthy affordable housing along with support and skill-building activities to low-income individuals and families.
CPAH currently owns six multi-family and senior apartment communities and four single-family homes in Washington County (with a focus on Tigard) and southwest Portland (277 units).
For more information, call CPAH, 503-293-4038, or visit www.cpahinc.org.